A Package of Changes Has Been Announced by the UKGC in a Bid to Make Online Games Safer
Last week the UK Gambling Commission announced the news that they have created a package of changes that has been designed to make online games safer! The Commission will implement strict measures which have been designed to strengthen the protections and controls for players who gamble with online slots. These changes will include an introduction to the limit on slot spin speeds and they will place a permanent ban on features that speed up play and celebrate losses as wins.
Stricter Measures Will be Enforced
Operators will now need to implement tough new player protection measures as a result of a consultation with the public, players, the gambling industry and other stakeholders. The new measures will make online casino games less intensive and safe by design. Players will also be handed more control when it comes to their gambling.
The UK Gambling Commission have introduced new measures that will hand players more control over their own gambling habits.
The commission takes responsible gambling seriously which is why this time they have solely focused on online slots because of their features which are known to increase the intensity of play and the risks this incurs to players. Statistically, slot games have by far the highest average losses per player out of any other online gambling product.
Focusing on Key Features
The new rules include an outright ban which will be on the following four key features that are incorporated into online slot games:
○ Features that speed up play or give users an illusion of control over the outcome
○ Slot spin speeds that are faster than 2.5 seconds
○ Autoplay which leads the player to lose track of their play
○ Sounds or graphics that will give the illusion that they have won when in actual fact the return is equal to or below their initial stake
Although these are the main focus of the new measures other changes will also include:
○ Operators must now clearly display the total losses or wins to the user. They must also show the amount of time played during any online slot session
○ A permanent ban on reverse withdrawals for all online gambling purposes
These changes must be fully implemented by all online operators by the 31st October 2021.
How Slots Present Risks
Further research since the publication of the Commission’s consultation back last year showed that the use of auto-play in a slot game was linked to players losing track of their play. This made it increasingly difficult for some users to stop playing and in some cases, it led to gambling on other activities simultaneously.
It further evidenced that reverse withdrawals present a risk to players because of the temptation to continue playing with their previously requested funds. In addition, the slot features being removed or closely controlled have been associated with increased intensity of play, loss of player control and binge play.
Making Gambling Safer
This has always been a top priority for the Gambling Commission and Neil McArthur who is the Gambling Commission Chief Executive said: “To make online games safer we are introducing a ban on features that speed up play or give the illusion of control over the outcome. We are also introducing a ban on auto-play, losses disguised as wins, and slot spin speeds faster than 2.5 seconds. The evidence shows that these features increase the risk of harm to customers.”
McArthur added, “This is another important step in making gambling safer and where the evidence shows that there are other opportunities to do that we are determined to take them.”
Nigel Huddleston who is the Minister for Sports, Tourism and Heritage said “Today’s steps will help curb the intensity of online gambling, introducing greater protections that will reduce the risk of gambling-related harm. I welcome the Gambling Commission’s tough measures as we continue our comprehensive review of gambling laws to make sure they’re fit for the digital age.”
The British industry standards organisation the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has also welcomed the new measures which will improve player safety. Michael Dugher who is the BGC Chief Executive said that the new rules match the organisation's ethos of driving change and promoting safer gambling among licensed operators.
A String of Safer Measures
The new measures follow strengthened protections around online age and ID verification, improved customer interaction policies, and the complete ban on the use of gambling with credit cards.
The new measures follow strengthened protections around online age and ID verification, improved customer interaction policies, and the complete ban on the use of gambling with credit cards.
Back in September of last year the Commission also announced that they were implementing new rules that would stamp out irresponsible VIP customer practises. These rules are also due to come into force at the end of October 2020. The outcome of the consultation of customer interaction is expected later this year.
Introduction of a Permanent ‘Lived Experience’ Panel
The Commission and the Great Britain regulator have also introduced a permanent Lived Experience Advisory Panel. This is made up of people with a wide range of lived experience of gambling harms which also includes people who have been affected by someone else's gambling addiction.
The panel is due to meet for the very first time and among the topics being discussed will be the review of the 2005 Gambling Act which launched in December of last year. A panel spokesperson said, “We are pleased that the Gambling Commission has recognised the importance of listening to people who have been harmed by gambling and welcome their real commitment to ensuring that this can happen.”
ความคิดเห็น
แสดงความคิดเห็น